since this is a trail etiquette and Chumbawamba appears to be a new trail rider, I will point out a bit of water etiquette,
When you come to a water hole if there are other horses there drinking stop and wait your turn, even if your horse doesnt need water it is rude to pass or ride off while horses are still drinking. A horse in that group may need the water but get anxious and wanna leave if they see you race off.
So stop, wait your turn, let your horse drink or not, move on a few feet out of the way till the other horses are done, then head on up the trail.

How is this any different from passing slower riders on the trail (something you've said you'd do without hesitation)?

The horses you pass by have just as much chance of getting jiggy and anxious as those drinking.

IMO, it's every rider's responsibility to control their horse. If your horse won't stand when others come and go, then that's on you and not on everyone else.

since this is a trail etiquette and Chumbawamba appears to be a new trail rider, I will point out a bit of water etiquette,
When you come to a water hole if there are other horses there drinking stop and wait your turn, even if your horse doesnt need water it is rude to pass or ride off while horses are still drinking. A horse in that group may need the water but get anxious and wanna leave if they see you race off.
So stop, wait your turn, let your horse drink or not, move on a few feet out of the way till the other horses are done, then head on up the trail.

This just seems like being neighborly, to me. I would take the time waiting to chat with the other group. I suppose you could always ask them if they mind if you pass on by.

Thats because that's not what I meant. Passing on the trail is different than passing on a water hole, the horses need water as a health issue. Would be kinda rude to fly by horses drinking. But then again I do endurance riding as opposed to casual trail putzing along. Water and getting your's and other horses is critical. So as a form of etiquette, If I cam up on horses drinking I would pause let em drink, let my horse drink then move on.

Today I learned another fact about horse riding etiquette. I was guiding a mid-experienced ride and really holding myself together to keep polite because of another rider just behind me and her comments.

Almost all the way she was commenting the strides of my horse and how should I improve them, commenting the training of the mare she was given (the best of our barn and a really fine trail horse) and how she could improve her (being a rider with just 2 year experience on an incredibly calm and slow lesson horse), commenting on how the BO was doing a bad job in riding the horse herself (the BO was not with us), trying to lead the group in different trails than I went, just because she thought they'd be more fun and being generally a pain in the a** and very impolite.

I find it quite inappropriate to act like this - guided trail rides are for fun, not trying to re-train (she was actually trying to "work" with her horse during the ride, while not being able to keep the distance and bumping in my horse's back in canter all the time) and criticize horses that are not yours, and for following the guide, not playing one themselves.

It seems obvious, but apparently some people are unable to think of it.

My gelding kicked back once and I had to warn her we'd go the rest of the ride in walk only if she keeps cutting the distance. It was better later on, but not much, so she won't be let on this level trail rides in our barn any more until she gains more experience.

Yeh just smile and wave and keep your mouth shut. Unsolicited advise on the trail NEVER EVER EVER has helped me, If I am having troubles with my horse leave me alone and let me work it out. If you are so inclined hang out with me at camp or back at the park lot,,, when the stress level is down and I am off the horse I will be more receptive and all ears to a more experienced rider. However leave me alone while I am in the saddle.
And please don't correct me with irrelevant crap. I don't care if my horses head isnt perfect, I dotn care about his set, I wouldnt know a proper lead from a in proper follow. I ride on a loose rein, control the speed and general direction and let the horse figure that stuff out. If you don't like it, don't look at it.
When I was starting out I would get all stressed out over things like that. Now I am getting better at ignoring it.

Saranda, congrats for holding your temper, and not snapping her neck like a glow stick! Why do people feel as if their opinions are the only right way? When they are often soooo far off the mark. How 'bout passing on good comments, like: I really like this horse's trot, or your horse is gorgeous, or the trails you picked are so pretty. I'm glad we got to see these trails. It is the people who are so insecure that they want to tear someone else down, to make themselves look good. It would be good if one of the other trail riders would just say "You sound like a blithering idiot."
As you can see, it's hard for me to put up with drama and BS. I can bite my tongue with a strong effort only, when it comes to those kind of people. Again, you did a good job of ignoring her.
BTW, I really like your horse. Pretty. I'm a sucker for a nice bay.

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